ALL SAILORS. What shall we do? What shall we do?
[As their anger turns to despair, Columbus is touched.]
COLUMBUS. Listen, men,—I make you this promise: if we do not see land within three days, we will return to Spain.
CAPTAIN. There, now,—that's a fair promise! Go now to your duties!
COLUMBUS. And let every man watch for land as he has never watched before!
SAILORS (pleased). Aye, aye, sir!
[Sailors cross to a distant part of deck.]
COLUMBUS (sadly). Alas for my plans and my hopes, if these three days bring not land!
[He talks aside with the Captain.]
FIRST SAILOR. We were too easily won over, men.